Muscle Research Group

Our research on the cellular and molecular aspects of muscle regeneration after injury is focused on human muscle satellite cells, small laboratory animal models and cell culture, including primary muscle-specific stem cells. ​We study mechanisms of influencing satellite cells, including the small extracellular vesicles and microRNA.

• Acute and long-term adaptations in humans to delayed onset of muscle soreness, with or without training interventions.
• The immune system and connective tissue during the resolution of muscle injury, with the current focus on neutrophils and fibroblasts in an attempt to understand both their positive and negative influences.
• We probe extracellular vesicles dynamics in response to muscle damaging exercise in human volunteers, rats and in cell culture.
• Primary human myoblasts isolated from muscle biopsies are probed for activation and fusion, with a current interest in the pre-fusion protein, Kirrel.
• Cell culture models include co-culture of myoblasts and fibroblasts or neutrophils.  ​

The Mission of the MRG is to:

• Develop an international standard research platform, including up to date equipment and techniques.
• Deliver research that is internationally competitive and relevant; locally relevant and of potential benefit to athletes or persons suffering from muscle diseases.

OPPORTUNITIES

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AVAILABLE POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS OR POSTGRADUATE STUDIES PLEASE CONTACT - [email protected]. ​

Dr Rhys McColl

Research areas: 

• Extracellular vesicles characterisation.
• Skeletal muscle pre-fusion protein,
• Kirrel: in vitro experiments using different genetic engineering models.